Systems and methods for automatic call forwarding in a wireless mobile station

ABSTRACT

Apparatus, method and system for notifying a communications-switching center that subsequent communications directed to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit are to be routed to a destination number associated with the wireless unit. In response to a triggering event by the wireless unit through the base unit, the base unit causes the wireless unit to transmit an SMS message to the communications-switching center. The SMS message includes a notification that subsequent communications directed to the wireless number associated with the wireless unit are to be routed to the destination number associated with the wireless unit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Nos.60/441,328 and 60/501,534, filed Jan. 21, 2003 and Sep. 8, 2003,entitled “Systems and Methods for Automatic Call Forwarding” and “CallForward Instrument”, respectively. These items are incorporated hereinby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention generally relates to telecommunication service and, moreparticularly, to a device that automatically forwards telephone serviceupon detecting a triggering event, such as receipt of a wirelesstelephone within a socket defined by the device.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, the vast majority of the industrialized world hasbecome accessible via the public switched telephone network (PSTN). Mostcommonly, this accessibility has been implemented through conventionaltelephone systems. A conventional telephone system may be considered tobe and is hereinafter included in the general category of wire-linesystems, i.e., telecommunications systems that transmit communicationsover lines such as copper, cable, or fiber optic lines. Thus, a unitthat operates in a wire-line system may be referred to as a wire-lineunit. For example, corded and cordless telephones are common examples ofwire-line units.

The popularity and widespread acceptance of wireless communicationsystems have brought about the development of systems that work as anadjunct to wireless communication systems and with the PSTN. An exampleof an adjunct to wireless communication systems is the fixed wireless(FWL) system. An FWL system allows a user to effectively convert certainconventional wire-line telephones into extensions of the user's wirelesstelephone or unit. In particular, an FWL system usually includes a cellphone physically connected to one or more conventional telephones withina discrete location, such as a home or office. The FWL system allows theuser to make use of the wireless communication system through theconnected conventional telephones. These extensions to the cell phonemay provide the user with certain advantages. Yet, these FWL systems donot provide the user with access to the PSTN independently of thewireless communication system. Such lack of direct access to the PSTNcould be critical in the event that one of the wireless communicationlinks, from and including the cell phone to the wireless communicationsystem, is not functioning properly.

Another example of an adjunct to wireless communication systems is atype of system referred to herein as “base station” technology, but alsocommonly known as “cellular cordless” technology. Base stationtechnology allows a user to make use of certain aspects of conventionaltelephone systems and of wireless communication systems. To utilize thisbase station technology, a user who has access to the PSTN and who alsohas access to a wireless communication system must purchase both aspecially equipped base station and a specially equipped cell phone,e.g., such equipment is manufactured by Motorola Inc., 600 North U.S.Hwy 45, Libertyville, Ill. 60048 and is available as a Personal PhoneSeries (PPS) system. The base station is located typically at the user'sbase of operation, be it a residence, office or the like. The basestation is connected to the PSTN and includes a mechanism for detectingthe proximal presence of the user's cell phone when that cell phone iswithin a certain limited geographical distance of the base station. Inessence, the base station functions as a cell site which provides acontinuous “control channel” in a manner similar to a conventional cellsite. The base station is different from the conventional cell site inthat it utilizes a non-standard control channel that changes based oninternal interference avoidance algorithms.

Normal operation of the specially equipped cell phone includes aperiodic scan of the designated control channel to determine whether thecell phone is within range of the base station. If so, the cell phoneand base station “handshake” in a manner well known in thetelecommunications field. The result of the handshake is registration ofthe cell phone with the base station, which registration triggers anoperational switch to the cell phone operating with the base stationfrom the cell phone operating with the cellular network. The wirelesscommunication system is then notified of the registration. Typically,the base station then functions as a wire-line unit and is assigned awire-line number. Accordingly, after the wireless communication systemis notified of the registration of the cell phone with the base station,the wireless communication system does not accept or continue handlingthe communication directed to the number associated with the cell phonein the conventional manner. Instead, the wireless communication systemeffectively relinquishes the communication to the PSTN. Thereafter, thecommunication is routed in a conventional manner through the PSTN to thebase station as if it were a wire-line call.

In response to receiving the communication through the PSTN, the basestation transmits the communication to the cell phone in the same manneras communications would be transmitted to a cordless telephone in awire-line system. Effectively, the cell phone functions as a cordlesstelephone. By this relay of the communication, the wirelesscommunication system is not involved in the communication. Thus,expenses associated with cellular services and usage fees are obviatedwith respect to this communication. In other words, even though thiscommunication was initially directed to a number associated with a cellphone, the communication is ultimately connected as a conventionaltelephone call or wire-line call. Thus, the user is not charged cellularservice charges for the communication.

In summary, base station technology allows increased flexibility for auser because the user may use a cell phone in a manner that does notincur the significantly higher usage fees typically accompanying cellphone use. The benefits of base station technology, though, arepredicated upon several factors. First, the user must purchase aspecially equipped cell phone and also purchase an accompanyingspecially equipped base station. Second, the cell phone must be withinproximal range of its base station. Even after these criteria are met, auser must still provide two telephone exchange numbers—one for thecellular service and one for the landline service. Finally, anindividual who desires to implement base station technology will, afterpurchasing the specialized base station and cell phone, likely be leftwith a conventional cordless phone which is unusable in conjunction withthe base station technology.

Applicant is aware of a cellular telephone call-forwarding system usingan adjunct device. That system provides a mechanism for routing callsintended for a wireless unit to an alternate destination number,specifically a wire-line number. In that system, the wireless unit isplaced in a cradle-like portion of an adjunct device to automaticallyinitiate a call forward request in response to a triggering event.Subsequently, all calls directed to the wireless unit will be routed toa predetermined destination number.

However, the present invention is an improvement on such prior artsystems. Specifically, the prior art systems require advanced processorslocated in the adjunct device to perform the call forward functions. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 6,151,500 (hereinafter the '500 patent), assignedto one of the parent corporations of the assignee of the presentinvention, uses a converter device to detect a threshold amount ofcurrent drawn from the battery source of the wireless unit when placedin the cradle as a triggering event to initiate a call forward request.In response to the triggering event, the call forward device itselftransmits a message to the wireless communications network therebyproviding instructions to direct subsequent calls originally destined toa wireless number to a different predetermined location. Since the callforward adjunct device transmits the call forward message, theprocessing device in the '500 patent teaches methods to construct themessage and to detect the current flow that initiates the triggeringevent. Additionally, the '500 patent requires that the call forwarddevice have a communications channel to the wireless communicationsnetwork.

U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2003/0181202 A1 (hereinafter the'202 app.) (Also assigned to the Assignee of the '500 patent) teachesadditional methods for causing triggering events and providing callforward instructions to the wireless communications system. According toone embodiment of the '202 app., similar to the '500 patent, the callforwarding adjunct device constructs an SMS message and transmits themessage to the wireless communications system. In that embodiment, thecall forward adjunct device contains a memory that stores the operatingalgorithm and a destination number.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,774, (the '774 patent) similar to the '500 patent,teaches of a call forward adjunct device that initiates a modemconnection to the wireless communications system to communicate the callforward request. This method requires both a connection to the wirelesscommunications system as well as a dedicated PSTN line.

Each of these items is hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, there is a need to address the certain short comings of theprior art devices and to provide a user, who has access to the PSTN andalso subscribes to a wireless communication service, a method to receivea wireless communication initiated through a wireless network through awire-line system in a reliable, simple and more cost-efficient mannerthan currently available. Furthermore, there is a need to providereceipt of wireless communications without requiring a user to providedifferent telephone exchange numbers to individuals who may beinterested in calling the user at a “home” location. Finally, there is aneed to provide a wireless communications service that will incorporateexisting personal communication hardware, such as conventional cordlessphones, rather than replace them.

The present invention allows a user who has access to both a wire-linesystem and a wireless communication system to receive a wirelesscommunication at a home or other predetermined fixed location similar toa typical wire-line service. Routing the wireless communications is notlimited to predetermined fixed locations and may also include routing toother remote and/or wireless devices. The present invention providesmethods, systems and apparatus for registering or otherwise making useof a wireless unit that operatively forms an association with a baseunit to receive a communication intended for a wireless device via awire-line phone. By this registration or use, subsequent communicationsdirected to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit arerouted so that the communication may be received at the predeterminedfixed location or other designated location similar to a typicalwire-line service. Advantageously, the present invention providestelecommunications services conveniently and inexpensively. Moreparticularly, the present invention provides a user who has access tothe PSTN and also subscribes to a wireless communication service with amethod to receive a wireless communication through a wire-line system ina reliable and more cost-efficient manner than currently available.

The present invention provides multiple benefits to a user. First, anindividual who subscribes to both wireless and wire-line servicesreceives a high quality communication with the added financial benefitof receiving a wireless communication via a wire-line communicationdevice, thus the user's allotted wireless minutes may not be used whilethe wireless unit is connected to the base unit. Additionally, a callmay be received by a user on his wire-line phone from a caller who mayknow only the user's wireless number and may be unaware of the user'swire-line destination number. This allows the user to maintain a degreeof anonymity where he may use the wireless unit for employment butchooses not to give a caller his/her home phone number. Moreover, thepresent invention provides such a capability without requiring purchaseof a specially equipped cell phone. Furthermore, the present inventionis configured such that it can readily incorporate existing personalcommunication hardware, such as conventional corded or cordless phones.

As noted above, the present invention provides exemplary methods,systems and apparatus for making use of a wireless unit so that, inresponse to a triggering event, subsequent communications directed to awireless number associated with the wireless unit may be routed to anydestination numbers associated with designated wire-line units or otherwireless devices, wherein the destination numbers are parsed from thephonebook memory of the wireless unit, for example, using a textscanning method. An exemplary method may include steps for notifying acommunications-switching center so that subsequent communicationsdirected to a wireless number are routed to a destination numberassociated with a wire-line unit. These steps may include causing adetection device to recognize the receipt of a wireless unit into a baseunit, or to recognize the receipt of the wireless unit within a proximaldistance thereto as detected through a Bluetooth beacon device. Inresponse to the detection, the base unit device may instruct thewireless unit to transmit an SMS message to the communications-switchingcenter of an attached wireless network. The SMS message includes anotification that subsequent communications directed to the wirelessnumber may be routed to the destination number associated with thewire-line unit

The present invention also provides an exemplary system for instructinga communications-switching center to direct a wireless communication toa destination number associated with a wire-line unit. This systemincludes a base unit functionally connected to thecommunications-switching center. The base unit also may be functionallyconnected to a current source. The system also includes at least onewireless unit having a wireless number and being operative to form anassociation with the base unit. The association between the base unitand the wireless unit may be a connection maintained substantiallycontinuously over a predetermined period of time. The association may bea physical connection or a contact-less “handshake”-type connectionbetween the wireless unit and the base unit. In addition, the base unitis further operative to respond to the association with the wirelessunit by causing the wireless unit to transmit an SMS message to thecommunications-switching center. The SMS message includes a notificationthat subsequent communications directed to the wireless number are to berouted to a destination number associated with another communicationdevice, such as a wire-line unit, that is parsed from the wirelessunit's phonebook memory.

In addition, the present invention includes an exemplary apparatus forregistering a wireless unit with a communications-switching center sothat, responsive to a triggering event, subsequent communicationsdirected to a wireless number associated with the wireless unit arerouted to a destination number associated with another communicationdevice, such as a wire-line unit. This apparatus includes a detector, apower supply and a transmitter functionally connected to the detector.The detector detects the occurrence of a triggering event. In responseto the detection of the triggering event, the detector provides a signalto the transmitter that indicates the occurrence of the triggeringevent. In response to the signal from the detector, the base unit mayinstruct the wireless unit to transmit an SMS message via thetransmitter to the communications-switching center. This SMS messageincludes a notification that subsequent communications directed to thewireless number associated with the wireless unit are to be routed tothe destination number associated with the wire-line unit.

This exemplary apparatus may further provide that the detector isfurther operative to detect a disassociation of the triggering event.The disassociation of the triggering event may include the actuation ofa switch or an indication that a proximal distance between the wirelessunit and the base unit has not been maintained. In response to thedetection of the disassociation, the detector provides a disassociationsignal to the transmitter. The transmitter responds to thedisassociation signal by transmitting a disassociation message to thecommunications-switching center. The disassociation message includes aninstruction to cancel the call forward instruction and to routesubsequent communications directed to the wireless number to thewireless unit.

Further, the present invention provides another exemplary apparatus fornotifying a communications-switching center so that a subsequentcommunication directed to a wireless number associated with a wirelessunit is routed to a destination number associated with a wire-line unit.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention is to routeincoming wireless communications to conventional wire-linecommunications devices.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a method andapparatus for converting incoming wireless communications to wire-linecommunications without requiring the purchase of a specialized telephoneor base unit.

Still another object of the present invention is to readily incorporateexisting personal communication hardware, such as conventional cordlessphones, into the operation of the present invention.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatusthat routes incoming wireless communications to conventional wire-linecommunications devices upon the occurrence of a triggering event, suchas, for example, the actuation of a switch on the base unit.

It is also an object of the invention to allow cellular and wire-lineservice providers a method to account for and control use of such amethod and apparatus, thereby generating revenue from such use.

The objects of the invention set forth herein and the preferredembodiments thereof overcome the drawbacks set forth above and willbecome apparent from the detailed description of the preferredembodiments to follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of this invention can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead is placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of a call forward deviceaccording to this invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary illustration of the functional connections of thecall forward device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a second exemplary embodiment of the call forwarddevice according to this invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary call forward network according to thisinvention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second exemplary call forward network according tothis invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate exemplary SMS call forward messages usable inthe TDMA and GSM operating networks, according to this invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods for providing callforward instructions in a TDMA call forward network;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods for providing callforward instructions in a GSM call forward network;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods for providing callforwarding in a GSM device containing a GAIT SIM; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods for providing callforwarding in a GSM device containing a GAIT SIM that is served by aLucent HLR.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides methods, systems and apparatus forrouting a communication directed to a wireless number (dialed number orDN) of a wireless communication system to a destination numberassociated with a wire-line unit. Such routing is accomplished inaccordance with the disclosure provided herein, wherein the wirelessunit is communicatively coupled with a base unit. Operationally, (1) thewireless unit may be physically connected to a base unit; (2) a switchon a base unit may be activated or (3) a beacon device may detect thepresence of the wireless unit. In response to a triggering event, thebase unit causes the transmissions of an SMS message from the wirelessunit to a communications-switching center.

To minimize cost to the user, the SMS message may be implemented, forexample, as a nonbillable SMS message. The SMS message provides callrouting information in response to a triggering event for subsequentcommunications directed to the wireless number associated with thewireless unit coupled to the base unit. In particular, a subsequentcommunication directed to the wireless number associated with thewireless unit is routed so that the communication may be received at apredetermined location similar to a typical wire-line service. Thepresent invention “converts” a communication directed to a wirelessnumber associated with a wireless unit into a communication that isdirected through the wire-line system to a destination number associatedwith a wire-line unit.

In the embodiments throughout this specification, SMS messaging isemployed as the preferred messaging format used in this invention.However, it should be understood that any other type of messaging formatnow known or later developed may be used without departing from thescope of the invention. For example, in the GSM environment, theUnstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) messaging format or theShared Secret Data (SSD) format may be used.

The present invention includes a base unit that detects a triggeringevent. The triggering event may be implemented as will be described indetail hereinafter. A first embodiment of the base unit is described indetail below in connection with FIGS. 1 & 2. Additionally, a secondembodiment of the base unit is described with respect to FIG. 3.

As noted above, a wireless device is used as a communication tool in thewireless system. Such wireless units may include cell phones, or thelike. For exemplary purposes, a cell phone is provided according to adescription of the present invention. However, the present invention mayalso be used with a variety of types or brands of wireless devices.Accordingly, the term “wireless device” and “wireless unit” are usedinterchangeably herein and such use is not intended to be limited to acell phone. The present invention also may be implemented with otherappropriate configurations including, but not limited, to other types ofwireless units such as personal communication service (PCS) units,personal digital assistants (PDAs), or the like.

To differentiate herein a number associated with a wire-line unit from awireless number associated with a wireless unit, the term “destinationnumber” is used with respect to the number associated with the wire-lineunit and the term “dialed number” is used to designate the number thecaller dials and is, in the present invention, associated with thewireless unit. However, because the principles of the current inventionmay also be used to forward a call to a different wireless number, theterm “destination number” will designate any number to which the dialednumber will be forwarded and also include such a wireless number towhich the call will be forwarded.

The term “wireless network” is used to designate a cellularcommunications system. It is to be understood that a wirelesscommunication system includes radiotelephony systems such as PCSsystems, global standard for mobile communications (GSM) systems, TDMA,CDMA, and other such systems. Appropriately configured, the presentinvention may be used in all such systems.

The examples used in this specification illustrate initiating callforwarding scenarios. It should be understood that the same techniquesmay be employed to implement call forward cancel requests to thewireless network, according to this invention.

Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate likeelements throughout the several views, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplaryembodiment of the call forwarding device 10. The call forwarding device10 may be a stand alone, powered device.

The call forward device 10 provides call forward services through a baseunit 150 requesting that the wireless device 100 send SMS messages,specifically, call forward requests. This conversion is performed byinterfacing with SS7 network elements and translating call forwardingrequests through a call forward server 350, which connects to the STP380.

In operation, when the wireless unit 100 is coupled to a base unit 150,a triggering event occurs that causes a communication, which wasintended to be routed to the wireless unit 100, to be routed to analternate destination, such as a wire-line unit. For example, when thewireless unit 100 is located in the cradle 151, the call forwardingdevice 10 automatically forwards telephone service destined for thewireless unit 100 to a call forwarding number associated with theposition of switch 140. Switch 140 preferably has multiple settingsdesignating memory locations from which the destination number is to beretrieved, which may, for example, be designated as CF1, CF2, CF3, etc.That is, the call forwarding device 10 detects the presence of thewireless unit 100 in the cradle 151 as the triggering event that causesthe call forwarding device to automatically forward telephone servicefor the wireless unit 100. To do so, the destination number isdetermined when the base unit 150 reads a call forwarding number storedin the phonebook memory 105 of the wireless unit 100 and instructs thewireless unit 100 to construct a Short Messaging System (SMS) messageincluding the destination number, the wireless unit serial number, andtelephone service redirection instructions. Since most handsets storeentries by phonebook entry name (not referencing a specific memorylocation), it is preferable that reading or text-scanning the userphonebook entries for the entry corresponding to a designated code nameprovides this function, for example, stored in the memory 105 may benumerous call forwarding numbers designated as “CF1”, “CF2”, “CF3”, eachdesignation indicates a different call forward number and serves as apointer when the phonebook memory 105 is scanned. The call forwardingdevice 10 then causes the wireless unit 100 to transmit an SMS messageto a wireless network.

Additionally, a default destination number, for example designated as“DF” in memory 105, may be stored to serve as a “back-up” to the“preferred” call forward numbers (“CF1”, “CF2”, “CF3”, etc.) should anerror be returned from the call forward and cancel network. Inoperation, upon failure of an initial call forward request, a second SMSmessage could be automatically sent to the call forward networkindicating the default destination number.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switch 140 preferably has a switch positionassociated with each of the call forward entries. As a call forwardingrequest is initiated by the triggering event, the base unit 150initiates a read request in the memory 105 such that the destinationnumber stored in the memory 105 associated with the position of switch140 is read and sent as the requested destination number. It should beappreciated that although the switch 140 illustrates only threeavailable positions, any multi-position switch may be used in its place.Accordingly, any number of call forwarding numbers may be stored in thememory 105 and used according to this invention.

FIG. 1 also shows indicators, such as LED's 110 and 120. A call-forwardcancel button 130 is also provided to manually cancel the call forwardfeature. However, it should be understood that the call forward cancelprocess may also be triggered by removing the wireless unit from thecradle 151. Additionally, it should be understood that a manual callforward button (not shown in Figs.) may be also provided to manuallyinitiate a triggering event to initiate the call forward request. LED110 may indicate a successful call-forward setup. The successfulcall-forward setup may be verified upon receipt of a “status-ok”indication from the wireless network. The LED 120 may be provided toindicate an error with the setup of the call-forward request. This errorindication may also be verified and generated by the wireless network.

FIG. 2 illustrates the functional connection between the cradle 151 andthe wireless unit 100. Specifically, the wireless unit 100 includes acontact 205 that becomes functionally and physically connected with acontact 200 on the base unit 150 when the wireless unit 100 is placed inthe cradle 151. The contacts 200 and 205 may be composed of touch pinsand/or any other type of physical connection now known or laterdeveloped in accordance with systems and methods of this invention,including but not limited to a bidirectional cable. The detection of thewireless unit 100 as it is placed in the cradle 151 can be any now knownor later developed method of detection. For example, the detection maybe implemented in the form of an actuator switch or a current dropacross the touch pin contacts 200 and 205. The detection method employedwill be used to generate a triggering event to cause the base unit 150to read the call-forward numbers 220 from the memory of the wirelessunit 100.

According to this exemplary embodiment, upon contact, the base unit 150recognizes the position of switch 140, and initiates instructions to thewireless unit to search for and read the appropriate call forwardingnumber 220, as indicated by the position of switch 140, from thephonebook memory of the wireless unit 100. The base unit 150 theninstructs the wireless unit to construct an SMS message, which mayinclude the wireless unit serial number, the destination number, andtelephone service redirection instructions, if any. The base unit 150then causes the wireless unit 100 to transmit the SMS message to theSMSC of the wireless network. In the alternative, it should beunderstood that the SMS message could be constructed by the base unit150 and transferred via the wireless unit 100 to the SMSC. Accordingly,those skilled in the art would recognize that the functions performed bythe base unit 150 and the wireless unit 100 may be interchangeable.Also, it should be understood that the instructions used by the baseunit 150 may be any type of instruction set recognizable by the wirelessunit 100, such as, the AT command set or any wireless unit manufacturerspecific instruction codes.

To provide the functionality for forwarding the SMS message, thecontacts 200 and 205 may include at least one universal bi-directionaldata contact that may be used to upload and/or download information. Forexample, the contacts 200 and 205 may include two contacts for chargingthe battery within the wireless unit 100, and a third bi-directionaldata contact. This data contact uploads and downloads data, such as theforwarding instructions between the base unit 150 and the wireless unit100.

The contact 200 functionally connects wireless unit 100 to a processor210 located within the base unit 150. It should be appreciated thatalthough the exemplary embodiments described herein depict the processor210 being in the base unit 150, it is known that the processor 210 couldbe located in the wireless unit 100 without departing from the scope ofthe invention. The manner in which the processor 210 operates isdescribed in more detail with respect to FIG. 4.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, in addition to thefunctions described above, the base unit 150 may perform any or all ofthe functions typically ascribed to such cradle devices, such as batterycharging. In certain embodiments, the base unit 150 is adaptable toautomatically power up the wireless unit 100 when it is placed in thebase unit 150 so that the wireless unit 100 is available for a callforwarding mode of operation. In certain other embodiments, the baseunit 150 may detect whether a wireless unit 100 is not properly seatedso as to be connected to the contacts 200. Accordingly, an audible orvisible alert may emanate from the base unit 150 to notify the user thata proper connection cannot be established. In certain embodiments, thebase unit 150 may detect the existence of a viable connection betweenthe wireless unit 100 and the power supply provided by the base unit150. If the wireless unit 100 is not receiving power, then and audiblealert may emanate from the base unit 150.

In a second exemplary embodiment of this invention, a Bluetooth triggerand detection method is employed to cause the call forward device 10 todetect the presence of the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101, initiatea triggering event, and cause the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 tocreate and transmit an SMS message to the wireless network. For purposesof this exemplary embodiment, Bluetooth is chosen as the preferred RFtechnology. However, any other RF technology may be employed withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

Similar to the base unit described with respect to the first embodimentof this invention, the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 may include amulti-position switch that preferably has a switch position associatedwith a plurality of destination numbers, such that each position of theswitch corresponds to each of the call forward entries. Wherein, as acall forwarding request is initiated by the triggering event, theBluetooth enabled base unit 155 initiates a read request in the memoryof the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 in a manner previouslydescribed using memory designations such as CF1, CF2, CF3, etc. Alsoindicators, such as LED's may be used to provide call forward statusalerts. A call-forward cancel button may also be provided to cancel thecall forward feature. The indicators and cancel button may be operableas described herein with respect to other embodiments of this invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates the functional connection between the Bluetoothenabled base unit 155 and the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101.Specifically, the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 includes aBluetooth software client 103 and a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver(TX/RX) 104 that becomes functionally connected with a Bluetooth beaconsignal emitting from the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 when theBluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 comes within a predeterminedproximity to the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155. Which may, forexample, be about 10 feet.

The Bluetooth software client 103, beacon signal and TX/RX 104 allow theBluetooth enabled base unit 155 to communicate with the Bluetoothenabled wireless unit 101 using a Bluetooth RF link. A one-timeBluetooth pairing process as is known in the art will be completed priorto performing any one of the operations described below. Various aspectsand/or features of this invention include using the Bluetooth enabledbase unit 155 (within an enclosed space, for example, within asubscriber's home location) to: (1) send commands to the Bluetoothenabled wireless unit 101; (2) read information stored in memory of theBluetooth enabled wireless unit 101, (3) receive status and faultindications from the wireless network; and (4) cause the Bluetoothenabled wireless unit 101 to send call forward instructions over theBluetooth and GSM radio links.

Similar to the previous embodiments, a triggering event is generatedwhen the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 is detected by theBluetooth beacon of the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155. In response tothe triggering event, the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 to read thecall-forward numbers from the memory of the Bluetooth enabled wirelessunit 101. The software client 103 interacts with the Bluetooth enabledbase unit 155 and the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 to send andreceive call forward information to and from the Bluetooth enabled baseunit 155.

In operation, the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 and the Bluetoothenabled wireless unit 101 can be configured to operate via Bluetoothwireless technology within a personal-area-network, or piconet. Thepiconet is composed of a master and at least one active slave device.Once the piconet is established, the participating devices randomly hopfrequencies in unison so that they stay in touch with one another andavoid other piconets that may be operating in the same room, such as apiconet formed between a television and its remote control. The devicedesignated as the master makes the determination of the channel(frequency-hopping sequence) and phase (timing offset, i.e., when totransmit) that shall be used by all devices on the piconet. The masterand slave relationship may be implemented and/or exchanged between theBluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 and the Bluetooth enabled base unit155. In accordance with standard Bluetooth link control managerprotocol, in order to detect the presence of the Bluetooth enabledwireless unit 101, the base unit 155 broadcasts a beacon signal. In asniff mode, the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 detects thebroadcast beacon signal and verifies whether the broadcast beacon signalis valid. That is, the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 determineswhether an address associated with the broadcast beacon signaltransmitted from the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 matches, or ispaired, with an address associated with the Bluetooth enabled wirelessunit 101. The respective devices may continuously perform the broadcastand sniffing operation.

A “paired link” connection is automatically initiated between theBluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 and the Bluetooth enabled base, unit155 when the presence of the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 isdetected by the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155. When the address fromeach of the devices is authenticated (i.e., a paired link is formed)attachment between the two devices occurs. That is, apersonal-area-network, or piconet is created. Thereafter, the Bluetoothenabled base unit 155 may evaluate and recognize the Bluetooth enabledwireless unit 101 as a valid client and may communicate via Bluetoothwireless technology with the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101.Bluetooth communication between the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101and the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 can be used with any now known,or later developed, power rating class associated with various Bluetoothtransmission ranges in accordance with systems and methods of thisinvention.

Once the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 is communicatively coupledto the Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 in accordance with the foregoingdescription, the subscriber may be prompted to select from a variety ofmenu options, such as: confirm attachment to beacon; activate callforward; disable call forward; and/or any other option now known orlater developed in combination with call forward instructions. Access toperform each function, such as attachment and canceling may be performedin a variety of other ways that are commonly known or later developed,such as by entering and transmitting a security code to the Bluetoothenabled base unit 155.

The Bluetooth enabled base unit 155 may then return an indication(“status ok”) to the Bluetooth enabled wireless unit 101 that the callforward request has been executed and completed by the wireless network.

According to this embodiment of the invention, it is also possible tosend the call forward instructions from the POTS telephone 301, acrossthe PSTN connection. Such actions could be performed using thetriggering events described herein and conventional methods forinitiating call forwarding in a POTS system. For example, the Bluetoothenabled base unit 155 may also be communicatively connected to the POTStelephone 301 in a conventional manner. In operation, the Bluetoothenabled base unit 155 could issue call forward instructions to the POTStelephone 301. In response to the call forward instructions, the POTStelephone 301 may issue call forward AT commands to a PSTN.

Currently, there is not a uniform mechanism in place to perform a callforwarding function from TDMA to GSM and vice versa. Further there isnot a uniform mechanism in place to perform call forwarding in TDMA.Thus an aspect of this invention is to bridge this gap by providing amechanism that performs a call forwarding function when used in a GAITdevice that works in both the GSM and TDMA environments. GAIT handsetsadd an additional layer of complication because the GAIT handsets mustoperate in both GSM and TDMA markets and any external instrument, suchas the call forward server 350 in FIG. 4, would have to know the servingsystem type before it can manipulate the call forwarding commands.

Acknowledging that some TDMA wireless units do not contain a mechanismfor external SMS generation, a separate embodiment may be used toinitiate a handset dialed call that contains the digit sequence for callforwarding activation. Typically this activation sequence is prefacedwith a “*”. Since various serving systems throughout a carrier's networkuse different activation and deactivation sequences, it is preferablethat the wireless units 100 and 101 be able to store the completeforwarding string including the destination number. This means that if aserving system requires, for example, “*72 4045551212” to activate callforwarding; the memory 105 preferably should store the entire string.Further, in such cases, additional memory locations may be used to storethe deactivation string. This could be implemented by the memory tag“UFCF1” (unforward call forward) or similar. Alternatively, this couldbe done by utilizing an additional named position for deactivation, forexample, memory location “92”.

Many TDMA wireless units have “AT” command sets as is known by thoseskilled in the art. The AT command set contains command extensions tosupport the above functions. If the TDMA wireless unit supports theEuropean Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) standard GSMfunctions completely, the wireless unit 100 can be used with the callforwarding device 10 in this manner.

Referring now to FIG. 4, once the wireless unit 100 has been detected bythe base unit 150, the SMS message containing general headerinformation, the serial number (ESN or IMSI) of the wireless unit 100,and the destination number is sent over the overhead control channel tothe SMSC in accordance with known protocols. The header informationcontained in the SMS message serves as an address to the originatingwireless unit. The SMSC 330 recognizes that the destination numbercontained in the SMS message belongs to an external application bycertain information contained in the header and subsequently routes theSMS message to the call forward server 350 via the IP network 340. Inother words, the SMSC 330 recognizes that the SMS message contains adestination number and call forward instructions based on call forwardcommands contained in the SMS message.

The call forward server 350 then decodes the SMS message and generatesthe appropriate action, for example, the call forward server 350 maygenerate a call forward feature request. The generation of the callforward feature request is discussed in further detail below. The callforward feature request is then forwarded by the call forward server 350to the SS7 network 320, via the Microlegend 360. The Microlegend 360provides protocol conversions between the TCP/IP based network elementsand the SS7 network 320. The SS7 network 320 then forwards the callforward feature request to the STP 380. Subsequently based on theappropriate confirmation of the HLR 370 serving the dialed number, theSTP 380 generates and forwards a call forward feature directive to theserving HLR 370.

It should be appreciated that the HLR 370 represents any HLR serving adialed number subscribed to the call forward network. Additionally, itshould be appreciated that since TDMA wireless units are identified byan Electronic Serial Number (ESN) and GSM wireless units are identifiedby an International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI), the format ofthe SMS messages used to activate and deactivate call forwarding forTDMA and GSM wireless units differ slightly. The ESN and IMSI aretypically required to generate a call forward request, whether on theTDMA or GSM network. Finally, it should be appreciated that in the TDMAnetwork, a SMS Request is formatted as an SMS message (i.e., an SMSRequest). In the GSM network, the feature request is formatted as a SendRouting Information for Short Messages (SRIS).

According to this invention, the SMS message generated by wireless unit100 is unique to the operating system (i.e. GSM, TDMA or CDMA) of thatwireless unit. For example, the wireless unit 100 may be known tooperate on the GSM network if a message header associated with the SMSmessage is formatted such that the originating mobile number has a “1”before the originating number. However, if the “1” is not present, thewireless unit is known to be from the TDMA network. The headerinformation forwarded along with the SMS message serves as anorigination address of the wireless unit 100.

Once the operating system of the wireless unit 100 has been identifiedby the contents of the SMS message (i.e. if the originating number has a“1” before it), the feature directive request is sent to the STP 380. Asknown in the art, the STP 380 contains a listing of the dialed numbersserved by each of the operating systems, GSM, TDMA, or the like. Alsocontained in the STP 380 is a point code indicating the appropriate HLR370 serving the dialed number. The STP 380 may be coupled with a GFLEX385, which serves as an extender to the quantity of numbers stored inthe STP 380.

In operation of the call forwarding device and not intending to limitthe invention thereby, there are set forth below examples of six callforwarding scenarios wherein the device, according to this invention,may be used.

1) TDMA/TDMA-GAIT device on an a TDMA call forward or cancel network,

2) TDMA based GAIT device on a GSM call forward or cancel network,

3) GSM/GSM-GAIT device on a GSM call forward or cancel network,

4) GSM based GAIT device on a TDMA call forward or cancel network,

5) TDMA based GAIT SIM inserted into a GSM device and

6) TDMA based GAIT SIM in GSM device served by Lucent® HLR.

The operations of the device according to this invention in each ofthese scenarios are discussed below.

TDMA/TDMA-GAIT Device on TDMA Network

On the TDMA network, similar to the GSM network, once the destinationnumber has been parsed from the SMS message, the serving HLR 370 of thedialed number must be identified to provide instructions indicating thepath to route subsequent calls originally intended for the wireless unit100. The serving HLR is determined when the call forward server 350sends an SMS Request via Global Title Translation (GTT) 14 to the STP380 over the SS7 network 320. As the SMS Request is received at the STP380, a look-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, theappropriate point code of the HLR serving the dialed number and theaddress of the serving HLR 370 indicated by the point code. Should thedialed number have a point code found in the STP look-up, the SMSRequest is forwarded to the HLR 370, as indicated by the point code. TheHLR has now been identified as the HLR serving the dialed numbercontained in the SMS message. Once the forwarded SMS Request is receivedat the HLR 370, a return confirmation is sent to the call forward server350 from the HLR 370, thus confirming the location of the HLR 370. Thereturn confirmation includes the point code of the HLR. The call forwardserver 350 then creates a feature directive and forwards it to the HLR370 of the dialed number using the MIN returned in the confirmation fromthe HLR 370.

TDMA-GAIT Device Operating on GSM Network

In some instances, the initial SMS Request may not confirm the dialednumber at the STP 380 (i.e., the SMS Request is rejected by the GSMnetwork). For example, the SMS Request in a TDMA-GAIT device operatingon a GSM network will automatically be generated by the call forwardserver 350 as a TDMA formatted SMS message. In this instance however,the lookup will fail due to the SMS Request formatted in a TDMA format.Thus, the SMS return confirmation at the HLR 370 is never generated orreceived.

If this is the case, a GSM based Send Routing Info for Short Message(SRIS) is generated, upon failure of the SMS Request, using GTT 10 tothe STP 380 from the call forward server 350. Upon confirmation of theSRIS, the address of the HLR serving the GSM based GAIT mobile is nowknown. Finally, a Register SS for unconditional call forwarding is sentto the HLR using the IMSI and VLR/MSC returned in the confirmation.

If this second request fails, the failure is logged and the SMS messageis dropped. Accordingly, the call forward directive is not generated.

GSM Device on GSM Network

On the GSM network, similar to the TDMA network, once the destinationnumber has been parsed from the SMS message, the serving HLR 370 of thedialed number must be identified to provide instructions indicating thepath to route subsequent calls originally intended for the wireless unit100. The serving HLR is determined when the call forward server 350sends an SRIS via Global Title Translation (GTT) 10 to the STP 380 overthe SS7 network 320. As the SRIS is received at the STP 380, a look-upis performed to confirm the dialed number, the appropriate point code ofthe HLR serving the dialed number and the address of the serving HLR 370indicated by the point code. Should the dialed number have a point codefound in the STP look-up, the SRIS is forwarded to the HLR 370,indicated by the point code.

The HLR 370 has now been identified as the HLR serving the dialed numbercontained in the SMS message. Once the forwarded SRIS is received at theHLR 370′, a return confirmation is sent to the call forward server 350from the HLR 370, thus confirming the location of the HLR 370. Thereturn confirmation includes the point code of the HLR. The call forwardserver 350 then creates a Register SS. The Register SS is then sent tothe HLR 370 of the dialed number using the IMSI and serving VLR/MSCreturned in the confirmation.

GSM-GAIT Device on a TDMA Network

Just as discussed above, the serving HLR 370 of the dialed number mustbe identified to provide instructions indicating the path to routesubsequent calls originally intended for the wireless unit 100. In thisexample, the GSM-GAIT device will send GSM formatted messages in anattempt to complete the call forward request. Accordingly, the callforward server 350 will first create a GSM type call forward request bysend an SRIS via Global Title Translation (GTT) 10 to the STP 380 overthe SS7 network 320. As the SRIS is received at the STP 380, a look-upis performed to confirm the dialed number, the appropriate point code ofthe HLR serving the dialed number and the address of the serving HLR 370indicated by the point code. However, since in this example, theGSM-GAIT device is operating on a TDMA network, the SRIS will fail. Uponfailure of the SRIS message, the call forward server 350 then creates anSMS Request. The SMS request is sent via Global Title Translation (GTT)14 to the STP 280. As the SMS Request is received at the STP 380, alook-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, appropriate pointcode of the dialed number and its serving HLR 370. If a returnconfirmation is received, i.e., if the dialed number is found in the STPlisting, a feature request is sent to the HLR 370 of the dialed numberusing the MIN returned in the confirmation.

TDMA Based GAIT SIM Inserted Into a GSM Device

As known in the art, similar to GSM devices, GAIT devices operate usingSIM cards and may be operable on both the TDMA and GSM operatingnetworks. Another feature of the GAIT architecture is that its SIM cardsare interchangeable in GAIT and GSM devices. Accordingly, it is possibleto have a TDMA based GAIT SIM operating in a GSM device.

Initially, the SMS message received at the call forward server 350 willbe treated as a GSM based message. Accordingly, once the destinationnumber has been parsed from the SMS message, the steps needed foridentifying the serving HLR of the dialed number are performed toprovide instructions indicating the path to reroute of subsequent callsto the wireless unit 100.

The serving HLR is determined when the call forward server 350 sends anSRIS via Global Title Translation (GTT) 10 to the STP 380 over the SS7network 320. As the SRIS is received at the STP 380, a look-up isperformed to confirm the dialed number, the appropriate point code ofthe HLR serving the dialed number and the address of the serving HLR 370indicated by the point code. Should the dialed number have a point codefound in the STP look-up, the SRIS is forwarded to the serving HLR 370,as indicated by the point code. Once the forwarded SRIS is received atthe HLR 370, a return confirmation is sent to the call forward server350 from the HLR 370, thus confirming the location of the HLR 370serving the dialed number. However, in this instance, the HLR 370 is aTDMA based HLR. Accordingly, the HLR will return a TDMA basedconfirmation. As the return confirmation is received at the call forwardserver 350, the call forward server switches from GSM messaging to TDMAbased messaging. Accordingly, a feature request is sent to the HLR 370to establish the call forward directive.

TDMA Based GAIT SIM Inserted Into a GSM Device on Lucent HLR

Referring now to FIG. 5, the operation of the components of the callforward network, in this scenario are substantially the same asdescribed above with the exception of the Interworking Function (IIF)400 and the Lucent®) HLR 470. As known in the art, the Lucent®) HLRcontains an integrated MSC, which in turn causes the HLR to operate in amanner that is not conventional to other HLR types when a call forwardrequest is initiated by a GSM device containing a TDMA based GAIT SIM.

In operation, similar to other GSM based devices, when the SMS messageis received at the call forward server 350, the SMS message is treatedas a GSM type call forward request. Accordingly, the call forward serversends an SRIS via Global Title Translation (GTT) 10 to the STP 380. TheSTP 380 performs the appropriate lookup. Once the lookup has beenperformed, the SRIS is forwarded to the Lucent® HLR 470. In return, theLucent® HLR returns the point code of the IIF 400 to the call forwardserver 350. In response, the call forward server 350 forwards a RegisterSS to the IIF 400. Upon receipt of the Register SS, the IIF converts theRegister SS into a SMS feature directive using the provisioned ESNstored in the IIF 400. Accordingly a call forward directive has beenestablished for the device.

It should be appreciated that the principles of operation and otherinventive aspects of the embodiments of the base units 150 and 155discussed herein can be implemented within the environment of any nowknown or later developed operating system having messaging capabilities,such as CDMA, without departing from the scope of this invention. Insome instances, one skilled in the art would readily recognize theslight variations may be needed to adapt the format or flow of the callforwarding instructions to the protocols of the operating system.

An example of an SMS message generated by the wireless unit 100 is shownin FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIG. 6A illustrates an SMS message that may begenerated by a TDMA device in accordance with the embodiments of thisinvention. FIG. 6B illustrates an SMS message that may be generated by aGSM device.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the TDMA operating system identifies the wirelessunit using the ESN. In contrast, the GSM operating system identifies thewireless unit using the IMSI. When the call forward server 350 receiveseither message type, as discussed above, the call forward server parsesthe information in the SMS message to issue the appropriate call forwardcommand.

FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary method for initiating a call forwardrequest in a pure TDMA or TDMA-GAIT device used on a TDMA or GSM callforward or cancel network according to this invention.

In step S100, the control routine begins. The control routine thenproceeds to step S150.

In steps S150 and S200, an SMS message is received at a call forwardserver in accordance with the systems and methods described herein.Next, the call forward server decodes the SMS message to generate theappropriate action, for example, the call forward server may generate acall forward feature request. The call forward feature request is thenforwarded by the call forward server to the SS7 network, via theMicrolegend. In route of the call forward request to the SS7 network,the Microlegend provides protocol conversions between the TCP/IP basednetwork elements and the SS7 network. The control routine then proceedsto step S250.

In steps S250 and S300, the SS7 network forwards the SMS Request to theSTP where a look-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, theappropriate point code of the HLR serving the dialed number and theaddress of the serving HLR 370 indicated by the point code. The controlroutine then proceeds to step S350.

At step S350, a decision is made to determine if the look-up of thepoint code was successful. If the lookup was successful, the controlproceeds to step S450; otherwise, the control proceeds to step S400.

At step S400, the SMS message is treated as originating from a GSMdevice. The operation of the GSM control method is described withrespect to FIG. 8.

At step S450, the STP forwards the SMS message to the HLR indicated bythe point code found in lookup at step S350. Control the proceeds tostep S500.

At step S500, HLR serving the destination number has now beenidentified. Once the forwarded SMS Request is received at the HLR, areturn confirmation is sent from the HLR to the call forward server.Now, the location of the HLR has been confirmed. The return confirmationincludes the point code of the HLR. The control then proceeds to stepS550.

At step S550, upon receipt of the confirmation, the call forward servercreates a feature directive and forwards it to the HLR of the dialednumber using the MIN returned in the confirmation from the HLR. Thecontrol routine proceeds to step S600.

In step S600, the control routine ends.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary method for initiating a call forwardrequest in a pure GSM or GSM-GAIT device used on a GSM or TDMA callforward or cancel network according to this invention.

In step S2000, the control routine begins. The control routine thenproceeds to step S2050.

In steps S2050 and S2100, an SMS message is received at a call forwardserver in accordance with the systems and methods described herein.Next, the call forward server decodes the SMS message to generate theappropriate action, for example, the call forward server may generate aSRIS. The SRIS is then forwarded by the call forward server to the SS7network, via the Microlegend. In route of the SRIS to the SS7 network,the Microlegend provides protocol conversions between the TCP/IP basednetwork elements and the SS7 network. The control routine then proceedsto step S2150.

In steps S2150 and S2200, the SS7 network forwards the SRIS to the STPwhere a look-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, theappropriate point code of the HLR serving the dialed number and theaddress of the serving HLR indicated by the point code. The controlroutine then proceeds to step S2250.

At step S2250, a decision is made to determine if the look-up of thepoint code was successful. If the lookup was successful, the controlproceeds to step S2350; otherwise, the control proceeds to step S2300.

At step S2300, the SMS message is treated as originating from a TDMAdevice. The operation of the TDMA control method is described withrespect to FIG. 7.

At step S2350, the STP forwards the SRIS to the HLR indicated by thepoint code found in lookup at step S2250. Control the proceeds to stepS2400.

At step S2400, HLR serving the destination number has now beenidentified. Once the forwarded SRIS is received at the HLR, a returnconfirmation is sent from the HLR to the call forward server. Now, thelocation of the HLR has been confirmed. The return confirmation includesthe point code of the HLR. The control then proceeds to step S2450.

At step S2450, upon receipt of the confirmation, the call forward servercreates a Register SS and forwards it to the HLR of the dialed numberreturned in the confirmation. The control routine proceeds to stepS2500.

In step S2500, the control routine ends.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary method for initiating a call forwardrequest in a GSM device containing a TDMA-GAIT SIM according to thisinvention.

In step S3000, the control routine begins. The control routine thenproceeds to step S3050.

In steps S3050 and S3100, an SMS message is received at a call forwardserver in accordance with the systems and methods described herein.Next, the call forward server decodes the SMS message to generate theappropriate action, for example, the call forward server may generate aSRIS. The SRIS is then forwarded by the call forward server to the SS7network, via the Microlegend. In route of the SRIS to the SS7 network,the Microlegend provides protocol conversions between the TCP/IP basednetwork elements and the SS7 network. The control routine then proceedsto step S3150.

In steps S3150 and S3200, the SS7 network forwards the SRIS to the STPwhere a look-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, theappropriate point code of the HLR serving the dialed number and theaddress of the serving HLR indicated by the point code. The controlroutine then proceeds to step S3250.

At step S3250, a decision is made to determine if the look-up of thepoint code was successful. If the lookup was successful, the controlproceeds to step S3350; otherwise, the control proceeds to step S3300.

At step S3300, the SMS message is treated as originating from a TDMAdevice. The operation of the TDMA control method is described withrespect to FIG. 7.

At step S3350, the STP forwards the SRIS to the HLR indicated by thepoint code found in lookup at step S3250. Control the proceeds to stepS3400.

At step S3400, HLR serving the destination number has now beenidentified. Once the forwarded SRIS is received at the HLR, a TDMA basedreturn confirmation is sent from the HLR to the call forward server,because the HLR is TDMA based. Now, the location of the HLR has beenconfirmed. The return confirmation includes the point code of the HLR.The control then proceeds to step S3450.

At step S3450, upon receipt of the confirmation, the call forward serverswitched modes from GSM messaging to create a TDMA feature request andforwards it to the HLR returned in the confirmation. The control routineproceeds to step S3500.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary method for initiating a call forwardrequest in a GSM device containing a TDMA-GAIT SIM served by a LucentHLR according to this invention.

In step S4000, the control routine begins. The control routine thenproceeds to step S3050.

In steps S4050 and S4100, an SMS message is received at a call forwardserver in accordance with the systems and methods described herein.Next, the call forward server decodes the SMS message to generate theappropriate action, for example, the call forward server may generate aSRIS. The SRIS is then forwarded by the call forward server to the SS7network, via the Microlegend. In route of the SRIS to the SS7 network,the Microlegend provides protocol conversions between the TCP/IP basednetwork elements and the SS7 network. The control routine then proceedsto step S4150.

In steps S4150 and S4200, the SS7 network forwards the SRIS to the STPwhere a look-up is performed to confirm the dialed number, theappropriate point code of the Lucent HLR serving the dialed number andthe address of the serving Lucent HLR indicated by the point code. Thecontrol routine then proceeds to step S4250.

At step S4250, a decision is made to determine if the look-up of thepoint code was successful. If the lookup was successful, the controlproceeds to step S4350; otherwise, the control proceeds to step S4300.

At step S4300, the SMS message is treated as originating from a TDMAdevice. The operation of the TDMA control method is described withrespect to FIG. 7.

At step S4350, the STP forwards the SRIS to the Lucent HLR indicated bythe point code found in lookup at step S4250. Accordingly, Lucent HLRserving the destination number has now been identified. Once theforwarded SRIS is received at the Lucent HLR, a TDMA based returnconfirmation including the point code of the Lucent HLR is sent from theLucent HLR to the call forward server. Now, the location of the LucentHLR has been confirmed. The return confirmation includes the point codeof the IIF. The control then proceeds to step S4400.

At step S4400, upon receipt of the confirmation, the call forward servercreates a Register SS and forwards it to the IIF using the IMSI receivedin confirmation. The control routine proceeds to step S4450.

In steps 4450 and 4500, the IIF returns a GSM confirmation to callforward server. The call forward serve then generates a Register SS andforwards it to the IIF using the IMSI. The control routine then proceedsto step 4600.

At step 4600, upon receipt of the Register SS at the IIF, the IIFconverts the Register SS into a SMS feature directive using theprovisioned ESN stored in the IIF 400. The control routine then ends atstep 4600.

One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the stepsdescribed above in FIGS. 7–10 are not limited to any one particularorder and may be implemented in any order that may achieve the objectsand features described above in accordance with the systems and methodsof this invention.

It is also to be understood that a carrier wave may be encoded totransmit a control program for use that includes the processes describedabove for the centralized notification system to a device for executingthe control program.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with theexemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that manyalternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of theinvention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, notlimiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention.

1. A method of forwarding a call directed to a wireless deviceoperational on a wireless network to a destination number comprising:detecting the presence of the wireless device by a base unit, the baseunit including a destination number selection switch having at least twosettings; determining the destination number to which the call will beforwarded; creating a data message comprising a call forwardinstruction; causing a communication between the wireless device and thewireless network wherein the data message is communicated to thewireless network; receiving the data message at an SMSC of the wirelessnetwork; determining at the SMSC if the data message comprises a callforward request; and forwarding the data message to a call forwardserver if the data message comprises a call forward request, thedetermining step being performed by the base unit scanning a memorylocation in the wireless device to retrieve the destination number basedon the destination number selection switch setting.
 2. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising: receiving the data message at the callforward server; generating a call forward feature request at the callforward server based on the data message; and sending the call forwardfeature request to an SS7 network.
 3. A forwarding device for forwardingdialed calls intended for a wireless device in a wireless network to adestination number comprising: a cradle for holding the wireless device;a contact for engaging the wireless device; and a destination numberselection switch, the forwarding device being configured to instruct thewireless device, via the contact, to create and transmit a data messageto the wireless network, the data message including the destinationnumber and instructions to forward calls for the wireless device to thedestination number, the destination number selection switch includingsettings for directing which of a plurality of number stored in thewireless device is to be used as the destination number for the datamessage, the forwarding device being configured to instruct the wirelessdevice to perform a scan of a wireless device memory for contentcorresponding to the setting of the destination number selection switch,the scan being a text scan of the wireless device memory for a stringassociated with the setting of the destination number selection switch,the content being a destination number stored in a record of thewireless device memory along with the string.
 4. The device of claim 3wherein the data message is an SMS message transmitted to an SMSC of thewireless network.
 5. A wireless device for use in a wireless network,the wireless device comprising: a processor; a memory comprising programinstructions; and a contact for engaging a forwarding device, theprogram instructions making the processor operable to: receive acommunication from the forwarding device via the contact, thecommunication including a setting of a destination number selectionswitch of the forwarding device; create a data message in response tothe received communication; transmit the data message to the wirelessnetwork in response to the received communication, the data messageincluding a destination number and instructions to forward calls for thewireless device to the destination number; scan a phonebook memory ofthe wireless device to determine the destination number in response tothe communication received from the forwarding device; and scan thephonebook memory for an entry that corresponds to the setting and to usea telephone number associated with the entry as the destination number.6. The device of claim 5 wherein, the processor is further operable toscan the phonebook memory for a default destination number if no entrycorresponding to the setting is found.
 7. The device of claim 5 whereinthe data message is an SMS message transmitted to an SMSC of thewireless network.